The next morning Charlie stirred reaching out for Brax she had to grab the bed as she fell forward, opening her eyes she groaned as the hospital room came into view, she turned her head at someone laughing "something funny?" she asked.
Brax chuckled again "you'll be home soon," he said and sat upright in the chair "how do you feel now?" he asked.
"Fine just a little headache-have you been in that chair all night?" she asked frowning he had been in the bed last night.
Brax shook his head and leaned forward kissing her quickly "no, I just got back," he said and stood up "I went to the station to see had your brothers got anything out of Nicky."
"Who's Nicky?" Charlie asked frowning again.
Brax mentally kicked himself he'd yet to tell her what actually happened last night. Knowing he couldn't lie to her he sat on the bed and took her hand in his "last night was a setup, Douggie wasn't alone."
"What!" she yelled "Brax I told you not to go…what did he do?" she asked.
Brax sighed "he had a van he wanted me to get in then he started going on about money I took from him, when I refused to get in Nicky came out."
"And?" Charlie prompted.
"And your brothers Heath and Benji came out before anything could happen," he replied.
"So what happened if they were there?" she asked "how did he get away?"
Brax sighed again "someone started shooting at us from outside the room we all hit the floor, when it stopped Douggie had disappeared."
Charlie nodded "so he had someone else there if you did get away, lucky my brothers were there," she said and looked up as Sid walked in "please tell me I can go home," she groaned.
Sid chuckled and picked up her chart "everything went well throughout the night," he said scanning the pages "I'm just gonna take your vitals and get a scan done, if all is clear then you can go home," he said and pulled the machine over to the bed.
Brax excused himself as his phone rang seeing Ruby calling his heart rate sped up "hey," he said quickly "everything okay?" he asked.
"No," Ruby yawned "no one has slept Dar is cranky he's been crying for you and mum since five this morning, can you come see him?" she asked.
"I'll be there as soon as I can mum's just getting another scan before Sid releases her," he replied and looked back into the room.
"Okay," Ruby sighed "I'll try occupying him until then, bye" she said and hung up.
Brax sighed and walked back into the room as Sid walked out "what's wrong?" Charlie asked.
"Nothing," Brax said and sat on the bed "Ruby called she said Daryl is crying for us."
Charlie sighed deeply "I called Jack last night and he was asleep, he doesn't know what's going on Brax…what do we tell him?" she asked.
"We don't tell any of them anything, the less they know the better," Brax replied.
"We have to tell them something Brax, what if they're walking down the street and they bump into him?" Charlie asked "they don't know who he is they won't know to look out for him."
"They won't be going anywhere on their own so we don't need to worry about that," Brax answered.
Charlie scoffed "they're teenagers with jobs and friends Brax, do you really think they're gonna put up with someone being with them all the time?"
"Tough they'll have to," Brax said and stood up "we'll talk about this when we get out of here," he said as a nurse walked into the room.
…..
An hour later Charlie been released and was now on her way home, as Brax indicated to go left she snapped her head to him "go right I wanna go home."
"We're going straight to the station," Brax replied and continued to go to the left.
"Brax if you don't take me to my house I am going to lock you in a cell for the day!" she snapped.
Brax sighed "Charlie your brothers are waiting for us," he replied "why do you want to go to your house?"
Charlie rolled her eyes "seriously?" she asked "I've just come from a night in hospital wearing the same uniform I left my house in yesterday morning, I want to go home and get a shower clean clothes and something real to eat!" she snapped.
Brax sighed "alright, alright," he said and turned the car around "you have half an hour."
"Don't tell me what to do Brax! I'll take as long as I want!" she yelled and turned out the window.
Brax sighed and shook his head but also prepared himself to be snapped at for the day.
Pulling up at her house a few minutes later they both climbed out "let me go fir…" he trailed off and shook his head as she opened the door and walked in ahead of him.
"Going for a shower!" she called already pounding up the stairs.
Brax sighed and dropped into a seat at the table wondering why she was suddenly in a bad mood.
Fifteen minutes later she still hadn't come out of the bathroom Brax walked up the stairs and into her room "Charlie!" he called and walked to the attached door "you nearly done?" he asked. When he got no reply he pushed the door in and leaned against it "you not gonna answer me?" he asked looking at her.
Charlie turned back from the mirror "didn't hear you," she said and turned back.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked and walked to her "you've been snapping since we left the hospital," he said and rested his hands on her shoulders "what is it?"
Charlie sighed heavily and turned to face him "I had myself built up to feel everything would be okay by now-that we'd be okay," she said and looked up at him "but it's not-and we're not."
Brax sighed and took a step back "why didn't you say anything last night?"
Charlie sat on the side of the bath "you were so upset when you called me I thought you'd have calmed down by the time you came to see me," she sighed again and stood up "then when you did turn up-that look on your face, you looked so lost so broken…I didn't want to give you anything else to worry about."
Brax sighed heavily "why the hell didn't you say anything?" he snapped.
"I just told you why!" she yelled back.
"Jesus Charlie!" he yelled and stood up "this is not all about me! Who cares what I feel! This about you and my kids being safe! I was there with you for the night and you still said nothing!" he yelled.
"Why would I make you feel worse!" she screamed "and this is about you Brax! You brought this all on us! I ended up in hospital over you! I have to watch every move my kids make because of you! I have to look over my shoulder twenty four hours a day because of you!" she screamed and stormed by him "get the hell out of my house!" she yelled before slamming the bathroom door.
Brax pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a heavy sigh he really didn't want to fight with her today, walking back into her room he pulled the door open and followed her downstairs "I don't wanna fight with you Charlie," he said and walked into the kitchen "Charlie?" he said when she wasn't there.
Looking to the open back door his eyes darted to the counter where Watson had left her car keys last night, finding them gone he cursed and ran out the door "Charlie!" he yelled when he saw her car pulling out of the drive "Charlie don't go off on your own!" he yelled and ran after her "Charlie! please!" he yelled as she screeched away "damn it!" he yelled and ran back to his own car.
Charlie pulled into the station with a screech, jumping out she walked inside and to Peter's office "where are my kids?" she asked as soon as she spotted him.
Peter looked around to see was anyone watching, taking her by the arm he led her into his office "they're safe that's all you need to know," he said and closed the door "where's Brax?"
Charlie put her hands on her hips and glared at him "screw Brax and I asked you a question!" she hissed "where-are-my-kids!"
Peter sighed she was pissed "they're at a safe house."
"Where!" Charlie yelled.
"You're not going to see them Charlie you can forget it," Peter said and walked around his desk "you could lead anyone to them," he said and looked up at her "why are you so mad?"
"Good thing I won't be leaving them there! I'm only gonna ask once more Peter before I pull my gun!" she yelled.
Peter stood up and walked around to her "it's okay to be afraid Charlz," he said and placed his hands on her shoulders "I'm afraid for them too," he said and dropped his knees to look in her eyes "I can read you don't forget I know what this is really about."
Charlie bit her lip as her eyes filled with tears a thousand things were running through her head "I don't want anything to happen to them…or Brax," she sniffed "they mean the world to me I'd die if anything happened to any one of you-I just want this mess to go away!" she cried.
Peter pulled her into him and wrapped his arms around her "nothing is gonna happen to us Charlie, we're gonna be fine Douggie has to come out of hiding soon enough and when he does we'll be waiting….you should tell Brax how you feel."
Charlie looked up at him "please tell me where they are," she whimpered "I wanna get them and get the hell out of here for a while," she said and pulled away from him.
Peter sighed "and where are you going to take them?"
Charlie shrugged "the lake house," she said and sat on the desk "they've been there before I have stuff there for them."
Peter nodded "they're at the safe house up Rossville cottages," he said "take them straight to the lake house," when he was a kid their mum and dad had invested in a lake house not far up coast no one but family and close friends knew where "and what about Casey and Kyle?" he asked "you can't leave them behind- and Jack is gonna go off on one," he added.
"I can handle Jack," she said and walked to the door "Casey and Kyle will come with me too," she said and pulled the door open-stopping when Brax stood on the other side.
"Where will Casey and Kyle go?" he asked.
Charlie looked back at Peter "I'll call you when I get there," she said and walked by Brax "they're coming with me they'll be fine," she said and kept walking.
Brax followed here "you still haven't said where you were going."
Charlie stopped and turned back to him "I'm taking them to my mum's lake house, like I said," she said and pulled her door open "they'll be fine, you stay here and sort out this mess."
Brax pulled her door before she could close it "do you really think I am letting you go anywhere on your own?"
"You don't let me do anything Brax, I do what I want to do-no one tells me what to do!" she hissed.
Brax sighed "are we going to talk about what happened back at the house?"
Charlie groaned "I think we need some space Brax this can't go on, I'm not gonna spend the next god knows how many days fighting with you- it's not me," she said and shook her head "I'm not letting this turn me into something I'm not."
Brax stepped back from the car "we just won't talk about it then…I'm coming," he said and walked back to his car before she could reply.
…..
Charlie pulled up at the house the kids were in waiting for Brax they both walked to the door and knocked. A lot calmer Charlie giggled as Jack ordered Watson to take the kids into another room-all the drama she'd forgotten to call him.
"Who is it?" he called.
"Me and Brax," Charlie replied.
Jack pulled the door open and lowered his gun "what the hell are you doing here-get inside," he said and pulled her in. As soon as Brax was inside he stuck his head out "did you look to see was anyone following you?" he asked and closed the door.
"No Jack," she said and rolled her eyes "I didn't look the whole time I was driving," she said and walked by him "this isn't mission impossible no one will be following us yet…Daryl!" she called "Rubes!"
The door opened and they ran out "mummy! Daddy!" Daryl squealed happily.
"Hey baby," she smiled and got down on her knees as he ran to her "I missed you," she said and pulled him into a hug.
Ruby smiled at Charlie and walked to Brax "you're okay I see," she said and hugged him.
"Yeah," he chuckled and wrapped his arms around her "like I said I would."
"So why are you here?" Jack asked "no one called to say you were coming."
Charlie let go of Daryl and watched him run to Brax "only Pete knows I'm here," she said and hugged Ruby as her arms slid around her "I'm here to take them."
"Take them where?" Georgie asked.
"The lake house," she said and looked back at Brax "both of us," she added.
"What!" Jack yelled.
Brax put Daryl down "Rubes take your brother into Casey and Kyle we need to talk to Jack and Georgie."
Ruby looked from Charlie to Brax they hadn't spoken to each other since they arrived and she'd seen both cars outside but now wasn't the time to comment on that. "Come on Dar," she said and took his hand "we better tell them to get up," she said and led him into the room closing the door behind them.
"Why the lake house?" Georgie asked.
Charlie shrugged "I know they'll be safe there there's only one way in and out and I can see it from the house."
"What about work?" Jack asked "and School?"
"I'll explain to B she'll understand," Charlie answered and turned to Brax "who are you taking in your car?"
"Casey and Kyle," he replied "unless Daryl wants to come with me," he answered and sat on the arm of the chair.
"Everything okay between you two?" Jack asked him too noticing the tension.
Brax and Charlie looked at one another "yeah, we're fine," Brax finally said and looked at Jack "just tired," he added.
"Okay," Jack said slowly "call me when you get there and don't forget to look behind you every few minutes," he said and grabbed his coat "you better make a move we have to lock up here."
Georgie leaned in and hugged Charlie "see ya in a few days then," she said and pulled back "bye Brax," she said and pulled the door open "Jack I'm gonna knock off the sensors round back!" she said and walked off.
Brax looked over at Charlie "how about I get Kyle to drive my car with Case and Rubes and I'll come with you and Dar?"
"No," Charlie said and started to gather up Daryl's stuff "if anything happens I need you with them," she said and looked over at him she knew he wanted to be with her so they could talk "we can talk when they're asleep," she said and pushed the bedroom door open "alright guys we better get moving," she called and walked to the front door.
"Where are we going now?" Kyle asked as they walked out the door.
"Nana's lake house," Charlie smiled and looked down at Daryl.
Daryl started jumping up and down "really mummy really?" he asked excitedly and looked over at Brax "is you coming daddy?"
Brax chuckled as his eye lit up "yeah buddy I am-we all are," he said and ruffled his hair.
"Can I comes in your car withs you?" he asked.
"No baby you have to come with me and Rubes, daddy will take Casey and Kyle," Charlie answered before Brax could.
"But I wanna go with daddy," he whimpered.
"Well you can't!" Charlie snapped.
"Charlie!" Brax hissed and got down on his knees "mummy's sorry buddy she's tired," he said and wiped his eyes "you go with mummy and Rubes I'll be behind you the whole way," he said and dropped a kiss on his forehead.
Charlie walked outside she felt so bad she never snapped at him like that before, Ruby followed her "mum?" she said cautiously.
Charlie turned to her and smiled quickly "not now Rubes aye," she said and walked back to the door "Jack we're off!" she called "come on baby," she said and held out her hand. "Daryl?" she said when he clung to Brax.
"Wanna go with daddy you is mean," he said.
Brax saw the hurt that crossed her face and sighed "buddy you have to go with mummy," he said and stood up.
"No!" he yelled and clung to Brax "I go with you daddy."
Charlie sighed "okay, one of you come with me if you want to," she said and walked outside.
Casey and Kyle looked at each other "uh I'll go," Kyle said and followed her wondering why Casey didn't jump at the chance to be with Ruby.
Five minutes later they were all settled in the cars with Jack and Georgie waving them off.
Arriving at the lake house some time later they all climbed out "mummy can I go swim?" Daryl asked.
Charlie turned back to him "soon baby we just need to get settled first okay," she said and opened the door.
"You and Brax do that mum we'll take him to the lake so he won't be in the way," Ruby said and walked by her "I'll just change and grab swim shorts for him."
Charlie dropped onto the sofa and squeezed her eyes closed "you okay?" Brax asked looking down on her.
Charlie opened her eyes and looked up at him "yeah," she sighed "headache is coming back."
Brax sat beside her "where's the stuff Sid told you to take?"
"In the car," she replied "in my bag," she added when Brax stood up.
"Here I'll get you water," he said and handed her the tablets before he walked into the kitchen.
Ruby came back from one of the rooms "we'll be where you can see us," she said and walked outside to find the boys.
Brax walked back and handed her water "nice place," he said and sat down.
Charlie looked around and smiled "my mum did it-well dad did she just gave the orders," she chuckled "she loved this place."
Brax turned his body to face her "Charlie what you said back at the house," he started.
Charlie took her tablets and placed the water on the table, scooting forward she turned to him "I didn't mean that-any of it I don't know what I'm saying-I don't know what I'm thinking."
Brax slid his hand into hers "I told you already it's okay to be mad at me and you're right this is all my fault, I brought this on us I put you all in danger-I got you hurt," he scooted closer and slid his hand onto her cheek "I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you or the kids," he said and slid his hand around her neck "you mean everything to me Charlie-you and those kids and it's killing me he got to you. I promise I am going to make this whole thing go away-whatever it takes."
Charlie looked up at him "but at what cost Brax?" she asked and pulled his hand away from her "am I going to get a call to say you've been hurt? Killed?" she asked "I can't handle that I just can't… we need to get the police officially involved."
"No Charlie we can't," he said and stood up "the less in on this the better I never wanted you to find out-none of you," he added and looked back at her. "Douggie is out for revenge on me and he's gonna do that by getting to the people I love, he won't come near me I know what way he works he'll come after you and the kids first."
Charlie stood up and walked to him "so what do we do?"
Brax pulled her into him and rested his forehead against hers "nothing," he said and kissed her head "I'll stay here tonight, in the morning I'll head back and see has anything changed."
Charlie pulled back "you can't do that Brax," she said seriously "you don't know what you're walking into at least if I'm there I can provide some back up."
Brax smiled and slid both his hands onto her cheeks "I love you Charlie I'm not letting you anywhere near this, please will you let me do this my way?" he asked.
Charlie opened her mouth to protest but something stopped her, she looked up at him "okay," she found herself replying "but you get one shot at this Brax before I come in alright?"
Brax smiled again "deal," he said and leaned in to kiss her-stopping when someone interrupted.
"Mum," Ruby said from the door "uh never mind…as you were," she said and quickly left.
Brax chuckled and turned back to Charlie "you know I've been dying to kiss you since this morning," he said stepping closer to her "are ya gonna let me do that without snapping?"
Charlie giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck "I suppose I could manage that."
"That's my girl," he chuckled and pulled her flush against him kissing her deeply.
After a heavy make out session they broke apart, Charlie moved and snuggled into him "what do you want to do for the rest of the day?"
"Stay here with you," he replied and pulled her closer.
Charlie chuckled "that is impossible when we have four kids with us."
Brax chuckled and dropped a kiss on her forehead "I suppose we could go see what they're doing."
"You wanna get in the water with me?" Charlie asked and stood up.
"Not a lake person babe," he called after her as she disappeared into another room.
"That's a shame!" she called from the bedroom "I've been told I looked really good in a bikini," she said and walked out "even better wet," she added when Brax's eyes went wide.
Brax sat staring at her he was lost for words "wow," he final choked out.
Charlie walked over to him and leaned down over him "can I persuade you to come for a swim with me?"
Brax looked her up and down "consider me persuaded," he said and pulled her onto his lap.
Charlie giggled and pulled away from him as his hands drifted lower "we can do that later," she said and walked to the door.
Brax chuckled and followed her-stopping as she did "what is it?" he asked looking down on her.
"Is that VJ?" she asked looking to her nephew in the lake with Ruby.
Brax looked over towards their cars and noticed Dan's there "uh yeah, your brother's car is here too."
Charlie scanned the area and stopped when she found them "Leah is here too," she said and started walking "what are they doing here?" she asked.
Brax jogged to catch up with her "maybe they had already planned to come up here," he said.
Charlie got to them "hey, what are you doing here?" she asked.
"Hey," Leah said and stood up "see your brother," she said and hugged her "oh your dad and the others are coming too we were just ready before them," she added and sat back down beside Kyle.
"Others?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah," Leah nodded "your dad, Beth, Pete, Georgie, Jack, Martha, Hayls, Noah, B and April…and I think Heath and that Benji guy is coming too."
"Why is Heath coming?" Brax asked.
Leah shrugged "I don't really get what's going on, Dan just said it was better if we were all together and out of the bay for a few days."
"Right," Charlie said slowly "and where is he?"
"He went to the shop to get more stuff Ruby said you guys were talking so I didn't want to go inside."
Charlie sighed and looked back at Brax sometimes she could kill her family and their damn overprotectiveness. Shaking her head she sunk to the ground beside Leah her swim forgotten.
...
A while later and everyone had arrived all telling Charlie it was Dan's idea to follow them here. She now sat on the front porch playing with a beer bottle while the others set up for dinner, she looked up when someone sat beside her "hey," she said and looked back to her bottle.
"Hey," Benji replied "how you doing?" he asked.
Charlie sighed "it's five in the evening on a Monday and I'm already on my third beer does that tell you anything?"
Benji chuckled then turned serious "I called you a few times yesterday," he said after a minute.
Charlie frowned "I had no missed calls," she said and looked over at him "you sure you had the right number?"
"I called the station they said they'd pass it on," he said and shifted uncomfortably "there's something I need to talk to you about…can we go for a walk after dinner?"
Charlie nodded not really listening to him she was thinking about the messages on her desk yesterday- the calls from a Benjamin Abram's "you called about six times," she said.
Benji nodded and stood up as Tony walked out "I did…I'll speak to you after dinner," he said and walked by Tony nodding as he did.
"Hey sweetie," he said and sat beside her.
"Hey dad," she sighed ready for the lecture she was about to receive.
Tony reached out and pushed some hair over her shoulder so he could see her eye better "your brother tells me this is all to do with Brax."
"No it's not," Charlie defended quickly "he made a mistake when he was a teenager like we all do, this one just caught up with him." She sighed and turned to face him "I love Brax dad and loves me, what happened at the station wasn't his fault so if you're here to say what Dan has already said you can forget it I'm not walking away from him-ever!"
Tony slid his hand into hers "I'm not here to bad mouth him sweetie…what did Dan say?"
Charlie sighed again unaware Brax had come out to let them know dinner was ready, hearing his name he stepped back inside the door and listened "he told me to stop living in dream land that me and Brax weren't going to last and he was no good for me." she looked over at Tony "I love him dad and that's never gonna change so you and anyone else with a problem with it better get used to it."
Tony smiled "I don't have a problem with him Charlie I like the guy, and yes everyone has a past and problems- his far worse than a normal situation but he makes you happy, he makes the kids happy-I've never seen you so happy and that is all I need," he said and kissed her on the cheek.
Brax was crushed but at the same time he could see where Dan was coming from, he'd brought this into their lives he had put her in danger, looking out at her as she hugged her dad he knew what he had to do he just hoped she could forgive him. Sighing he stuck his head out "dinners ready," he said and smiled as she looked back at him.
Charlie stood up and walked to the door looking at Brax for a few seconds she leaned in and kissed him "we're gonna be okay," she smiled and took his hand leading them into the kitchen.
After dinner Charlie and Brax cleared away in silence, Charlie looked over at Brax to see him drying a plate in a daze "something on your mind?" she asked.
Brax looked over at her and smiled "nah babe, just thinking," he said and kissed her quickly.
Charlie stepped closer to him "I know when you're lying too Brax…tell me?" she asked turning him to face her.
Brax sighed and slipped his arms around her waist "I heard you talking to your dad…heard what Dan said," he muttered.
Charlie nodded even though he wasn't looking at her sliding her hands onto his cheeks she tilted his head so he'd look at her "it doesn't matter what he said I love you Brax alright me-it's just my opinion of you that you need to worry about," she said stepping closer to him "it's me that has to be with you no one else."
"You don't have to be with me," he muttered "you can always go."
"I do," she said and waited for him to look at her "because if I wasn't I don't think I'd get by without you."
Brax stroked her cheek "Dan is right I'm not good for you."
Charlie kissed him and pulled back "you're the best thing to ever happen to me."
Brax smiled and pulled her closer "you'll always be the best thing that ever happened to me."
Charlie smiled back at him "stop stealing my lines," she giggled and kissed him slowly.
Brax slid his hands up her back and deepened the kiss as he started to walk her back towards their room he sighed when the other door opened. Pulling back he turned to see who it was "alright mate?" he asked as Benji stood by the door.
"Uh yeah," he said and scratched his head "I needed to see Charlie about something," he said and leaned to the side to see her "but if this is a bad time I can catch up with you later."
Charlie looked up at Brax "I already told him I'd go for a walk with him," she leaned up and kissed him "see ya in a bit," she said and pulled away from him.
"Hold on," Brax said before either could move, he tightened his grip on Charlie "what could you possibly have to talk to my girlfriend about without me around?"
Benji sighed "I just need her advice you know her being a cop and all," he said.
Charlie looked up at Brax "I'll be fine babe," she said and tugged his shirt "love ya," she whispered and kissed him.
Brax pulled back and looked down on her "love ya too, you be careful ya hear me?" he said seriously.
"Brax I'll be fine I'll be at the lake which is two feet away you can see me from the window," she said and followed Benji out the door.
Brax sighed something didn't feel right walking to the window he pulled back the blind and watched them walk towards the lake. Now that he thought about it something was off about Benji he wasn't his usual self, he didn't let off a shot off in the warehouse, he wasn't coming up with ideas like he normally would, sighing he watched them something was defiantly up.
Charlie and Benji stopped in front of the lake "so what did you need to talk to me about?" Charlie asked.
Benji looked out at the lake for a few moments "I have to kidnap you Charlie," he sighed.
Charlie took a step back in shock but also preparing to run "w-what?" she stuttered taking another step back.
Benji turned to her "I'm not going to do it now," he said looking at the flash of fear cross her face.
"But why Benji?" she asked "you're Brax's mate you're supposed to be on his side."
"I don't want to do this Charlie believe me I don't, if there was any other way I'd take it," he said and turned to her "he has my daughter."
Charlie gasped "your daughter?" she asked taking a step closer to him.
"Yeah," he sniffed and wiped his eyes "knocked at my ex's door and told the sitter he was her uncle and her mum said it was okay. He called me and said he had her all I have to do to get her back unharmed is snatch you and get Brax to come for you."
Charlie nodded "how old is she?" she asked.
"Five," Benji said in barely a whisper he looked over at her "I'm sorry Charlie I have to do this, but I promise I won't hurt you and I won't let them either."
Charlie nodded again and thought about her own kids, getting an idea she looked up at him "where have you to take me?"
"Another warehouse on the outskirts of town," he replied.
Charlie nodded "I have a plan," she said and sat down "how many of you will be there?"
Benji sighed heavily and sat beside her "he'll take your gun the minute we take you so no heroics."
Charlie chuckled "not my off duty one, they won't find it…how many?" she asked.
Benji counted in his head "six I think-including Douggie."
"And will I be in the same room as your daughter?" she asked.
Benji nodded "there's only one back room it's a small place-saw it this morning...he let me see her before I agreed."
"So I can save us both," she said and looked over at him "you do what you have to Benji just make sure there's a key for the back door hidden in that room and leave the rest to me," she said and stood up. "Brax will never know about this-we'll be out before he gets the call," she said and walked off holding down the urge to throw up- there were so many ways this could blow up in her face. She stopped and turned back to him "what's your daughter's name?"
"Ruby," he chuckled.
Charlie chuckled too "I think I'll remember that," she said and walked on.
…
Charlie made her way back to the house ad into the kitchen "hey," she greeted the girls "where's all the men…and B" she chuckled.
"They were getting annoying so we sent them to the pub-Daryl is in bed with VJ," Hayley answered.
"And B is gone for a 'walk' with Heath," Georgie added.
Charlie chuckled "and Brax went?" she asked going to sit down.
"No," Beth answered "he went into his room."
"He said it was okay for Casey and Kyle to take Ruby and April to the arcade place outside," Martha added.
"Oh," Charlie said backing away from the chair "I'll be back in a sec," she said and disappeared down the hall.
"Don't be too long Charlz!" Leah called "we've some beers for you!"
Charlie slipped into the room and closed the door leaning against it she closed her eyes she couldn't believe she'd agreed to that-mention a kid and she'd do anything. Blowing out a deep breath she walked to the bed and sat beside Brax who had his back to her "hey," she said leaning over him.
"Hey," he said dropping his phone "didn't hear you come in," he said and rolled to face her "what did Benji want?" he asked.
Charlie chuckled "you don't beat around the bush," she said and lay back beside him "you let the kids out on their own?"
Brax hovered over her "no, no I don't," he said and kissed her softly " and yes I did it's right beside the pub they're taking turns checking in them...so what did he want?" he asked lying back down.
Charlie sighed "I can't tell you what he asked he made me promise to keep it to myself, but I will tell you it's about his ex and his daughter."
Brax nodded "I haven't seen that kid since she was about one- can't even remember her name."
"Ruby-she's five now," Charlie replied.
Brax chuckled "I know what her name is that was just a test," he said and sat up.
"You don't trust me?" she asked sitting up.
"I do trust you babe but something is not right with him he's never this quiet."
Charlie climbed off the bed "maybe he's being quiet because the thought of never seeing his daughter again is getting to him."
Brax looked over at her "still doesn't make sense I know his ex she'd never stop him seeing Ruby."
Charlie sighed "things change-she got a new boyfriend or something, he's your mate Brax you trust him…why are you suspecting him? He's here to help."
Brax sighed "I do trust him-most of the time, it's just everything that's going on I don't know who to trust."
Charlie shook her head "well trust me when I say he's fine apart from what we talked about," she walked to the door. "I'm going to have a few drinks with the girls I suggest you follow the boys and do the same," she said and walked out of the room.
Brax followed her "fine I'll go but I'll be back in an hour with the kids," he said and grabbed his wallet. He kissed her quickly "bye babe," he said and walked to the front door "later guys!" he called over his shoulder.
Charlie sighed and walked to the fridge, grabbing a bottle she walked to the table and sat down "what are we talking about?" she asked and took a sip.
"You," Leah said pointing her bottle at her "have some explaining to do."
"What?" Charlie asked taking another sip.
Leah leaned forward "I as a cops wife, Georgie a cop herself and Martha a fiancée of a cop sorta know what's going on, why don't you fill the mother and the best friend in?"
Charlie sighed heavily "I'm sure between you you've filled them in," she muttered.
"No Charlie we haven't," Martha said "that is not our place-even if we are all family."
Charlie sighed again "fine," she said and took a large gulp of her beer "Brax got into some trouble when he was a teenager, now the guy has caught up with him threatening me and the kids if he doesn't give him money."
"Charlie," Beth gasped "does your dad know the whole story?"
"I knew you didn't fall," Hayley interrupted "Noah cannot lie to save his life he broke the second I asked why someone had to sit with you- and I found it odd it wasn't one of us."
Charlie shook her head "I didn't ask for that I didn't ask for anyone to get involved, my stupid brothers took it upon themselves to do it."
"So what exactly is going on?" Leah asked.
"This Douggie guy," Charlie started "Brax Heath and a few others started hanging around with him when they were kids, as time went on he became a drug dealer some of them broke away-Brax and Heath deciding to stay."
"So this is about drugs?" Beth asked.
"No," Charlie answered "when he was seventeen I think he said, he and Heath were asked to work with him in Bali for a few months."
"So they went and that's where it all kicked off?" Martha asked.
Charlie nodded "they went, things were okay for a while, he said all Douggie had them doing was collecting money from people dropping off drugs things like that."
"Runners," Georgie said.
Charlie nodded "yeah but then Douggie started to suspect someone was talking to the cops."
"And he suspected Brax?" Hayley asked.
"And a few others," Charlie said and stood up, going to the fridge she grabbed a few more beers and sat back down "there was this girl over there."
"Brax was seeing her?" Beth asked.
"No," Charlie said shaking her head "she was with them- in the gang or whatever you call it, turns out she was an undercover cop."
"And she busted Brax?" Leah asked.
"No-he busted her-heard her on the phone to her boss," Charlie said "anyway she begged him not to say anything so he went along with it."
"So what changed then?" Georgie asked.
"As I was saying Douggie got the suspicion someone was talking to the cops so he sent Brax out one day and had him followed. He told Brax to go to some guy that owed him money if he didn't have it he was to kill him or whoever was there."
"So he killed someone on Douggie's behalf?" Martha asked.
"No," Charlie sighed "he got to the house and a girl about Kyle's age answered the door Brax said she was pregnant, anyway her boyfriend had taken off leaving her with his debt."
"What a scumbag," Beth said shaking her head "what did Brax do?"
"He couldn't do anything to her so he left her alone and headed back to wherever they met up an.." Charlie trailed off as the front door opened.
"Why do I feel like I'm interrupting something?" Bianca asked.
"You're just I time, we thought you were one of the guys, sit down," Leah said "Charlie is filling us in."
"Oh right," Bianca said and sat down "I've just had that conversation with Heath," she said and shivered "this guy is nuts," she looked over at Charlie "continue," she said and took a beer."
Charlie took a sip of her beer "when he got back Douggie went off on one saying he was the one talking to the cops because he didn't kill her and pulled a gun on him…he was going to kill him," she mumbled dropping her head.
"No way," Hayley gasped "how did he get away?"
"He said something about that cop blowing her cover to save him…she got shot," Charlie said and wiped her eye.
"So he left her behind?" Georgie asked.
"I don't know," Charlie shrugged "he didn't get to finish the rest my radio came on and I had to leave… then I got attacked at the station."
"He made it back here obviously," Martha said.
"Yeah," Charlie said "he went back for that girl and took her and Heath back here-changed their name to Braxton."
"They're not Braxton's!" Bianca shrieked.
Charlie sighed "I don't know he never got that far either just that there was a reason I could never find him- a reason I never got to hear."
"My dad is Braxton," came Brax's voice behind them "my mum is Collins, we hated our dad so we went with Collins….Braxton only came out when it was needed," he said his eyes fixed on Charlie.
"I think I'm going to meet the guys," Hayley said and stood up.
"Yeah I'll join you," Leah said and stood up.
Charlie watched as they all smiled weakly at her and slipped by Brax who hadn't taken his eyes off her.
Brax sighed and leaned against the door frame still looking at her.
Charlie took a sip of her beer and turned away from him "we weren't gossiping," she said.
"I know you weren't," Brax said and pushed himself off the frame "I just wish you had come to me and asked whatever questions you had," he said and sat beside her.
Charlie turned to face him "that cop over there," she paused for a minute "when she got shot," she paused again "did you leave her there?"
"No," he replied instantly "I grabbed her gun shot Douggie and dragged her outside, once we were clear of the gunshots I got her to a car and took her to hospital."
Charlie nodded "did you stay with her?"
"Until she was asleep," Brax replied "then I told her I had to go and left for Heath and Emily...the pregnant girl."
"Not the way I remember it but if that's what you're going with," came a female voice behind them.
They both turned to see a young woman standing in the doorway, Charlie went to reach for her gun but stopped when Brax placed his hand on top of hers. Standing up he pulled Charlie with him "Lydia," he greeted.
"Daryl," she nodded and took a few steps in.
"How did you know I was here-how are you even here?" he asked.
Lydia chuckled "I'm a cop Daryl I can find out things," she said and turned to Charlie "you must be Sergeant Buckton," she said.
"I am," Charlie nodded "and you are?"
"Lydia Reagan," she said and held out her hand "I'm a detective with the two five in New York City."
Charlie shook her hand "so what are you doing all the way over here?"
"Well after I got shot I was pulled and sent home to work on the in house task force, after the shootout Douggie went off the radar there was so much blood were believed he was dead so we rounded up the gang that was left charged them with whatever we could then packed it up as a cold case."
"So why turn up now?" Brax asked offering her a beer.
"I knew a guy that worked cold cases I asked him to look into the information from time to time, you know sighting calls stuff like that."
"Again why show up now?" Brax asked.
"Someone," Lydia said looking at Charlie "looked him up on a police database, when they did that it alerted all the team on that case."
Charlie sat back down "that was days ago."
Lydia sat across from her "it takes a few days to get here from New York," she turned to Brax "there's a new undercover Douggie's picked up here, he's been keeping me updated."
Brax nodded "you lot work fast."
Lydia chuckled "we have undercovers ready to go any time any city any country," she said and turned to Charlie "but you already know that."
Charlie didn't really like this woman but she'd saved Brax's life so she had to try get on "yeah I do know that," she said and stood up "guess I'll have to make up another bed," she said and walked off.
"I'm not staying!" she called after her and turned to Brax "I'm here to let you know Douggie has planned his next move."
"And what would that be?" Brax asked.
Lydia turned to Charlie "her."
Brax choked on his beer "what?" he asked.
"His next move is to kidnap her and get you to him to finish this once and for all," Lydia said and stood up. "It's someone you won't suspect-my guy tells me it's someone on your side but he doesn't know who," she drained her beer and placed it on the table "thanks for the drink…I'll be in touch," she said and walked to the door "nice to meet you Sergeant!" she called before disappearing.
Charlie and Brax sat looking at one another for a few minutes neither knowing what to say. Finally Charlie walked to him "what she said about someone on your side can't be true, who out of all of us would do that to you or me?" she asked fighting the urge to blurt it all out to him, she hated lying to him but if she could end this it would be worth it in the end.
Brax sighed and pulled her onto his lap "all I have is Heath Benji and the boys and I don't think any one of them would betray me."
"Of course they wouldn't," Charlie said "Heath Casey and Kyle are your brothers, and Benji did turn up after so many years to warn you."
Brax looked back as the front door opened "I saw you flirting with her Jack!" Martha hissed and stormed by them.
"Babe, I spilled my drink on her I was apologising!" he called and hurried after her.
Charlie stood up "I'm gonna go to bed my head is swimming and giving me a headache," she leaned down and kissed him "don't sit up all night thinking about what she said, I love ya," she said and walked down the hall.
"I love you too," Brax sighed and watched her go his plan from earlier was off the table he couldn't take off not now-not with that threat hanging over his head. He looked back as the door opened again.
"Sorry," Hayley said "did Martha come in here?" she asked stepping in.
"Yeah, her and Jack," Brax replied and stood up "kids with you?" he asked having a feeling Hayley would have told them to stay away from the house.
Hayley nodded "I just wanted to make sure she was okay-and Charlz, the kids came back when we got there-Ruby said they'd use the French doors in her room."
Brax nodded "okay and she's fine…night Hayley," he smiled and followed Charlie praying this would end soon.
Hey all thanks for sticking with me I know I'm getting annoying and I just want to mention that with all the hassle of getting a laptop every week I will be sticking to this story-my others are not forgotten and I'm hand writing them in-between. Updates might get slow again as I have to give this laptop back and I'm working from Thursday to Monday anyway bear with me I may get something out in between but please don't get your hopes up
